During the Fourth Annual Skate for Cancer on Friday night, youngsters were skating at Peaks Ice Arena for children along with cancer.
Local figure skaters, the Provo mayor and Millie’s Princess Foundation co-partnered to insight 4-year-old Kaelyn Downs fight leukemia by offering a free figure skating performance.
“Kick cancer in the bum,” she said and giggled.
A pleased spunky young girl, it was hard to tell that she had been at Primary Children’s Hospital for a chemo treatment prior to the show. She is in the second phase of treatment, yet has actually a two and half year battle ahead of her.
When Brittany Downs Discovered out her daughter had cancer, she was terrified.
The week that Kaelyn was diagnosed, she was at karate class and she didn’t have actually considerably energy. She sat down for 15 mins and didn’t do anything, then she went house and went to bed at 7 p.m. She went to bed at 7 p.m. for the entire week.
Then, on Jan. 7, Kaelyn got a bloody nose that wouldn’t avoid for two hours.
“We were obtaining prepared to visit ER then it stopped,” Brittany said.
Kaelyn woke up the morning of Jan. 8 and she was as pale as could be. She had dark circles under her eyes and was not feeling well. So, they took her to the doctor.
The doctor sent them to Primary Children’s Medical Hospital and within a couple of hrs they were able to hear the diagnosis – Kaelyn had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“My husband (Kevin) and I were bawling and she looks up at us and says ‘Hey, why are you crying? I’m visiting be fine,’” Brittany said. “She’s constantly had a actually pleased personality and happy-go-lucky and optimistic. She’s been awesome. She actually has.”
Kaelyn’s mom has actually learned an vital lesson. She has actually learned to go along with her gut, she said.
“Once you feel something is wrong, don’t wait,” she said.
There are sustain teams to insight parents get hold of through the battle, as Brittany found. She belongs to “Utah Moms of Cancer Fighting Cuties” on Facebook.
The sort of cancer Kaelyn has actually is the a lot of common type children get hold of and is frequently called “ALL,” which is an acronym for the disease.
The coach, Brianna Hatch, founded the event and is a two-time gold medalist. Her students adore her and claim they like having Hatch as a teacher and hope to be enjoy her.
“Just what is various regarding this fundraiser is that we are representing a little girl and her family. The Millie Princess Foundation decided on this family so we are giving them our proceeds from tonight,” Hatch said.
Hatch and Provo City Mayor John Curtis welcomed those attending to the show.
Lauren Striker is 13 years old and is skating for cancer.
“We are assisting a little girl that has actually cancer,” Striker said.
Striker’s friend, Belle Campbell, additionally is excited to be in the routine too. She said her grandpa has actually 3 types of cancer and receives to go observe him or her soon.
The event has actually empowered young athletes to much better sustain family and friends members diagnosed along with the terrible disease, while raising cash to straight sustain the fight versus cancer.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to gain many prizes, donated by Waffle Love, Pioneer Book, 180 Tacos, Cupbop and various other Neighborhood companies.
Another youngster was there fighting ALL, too. William Wainwright, age 8, has actually had cancer for four years. His mom, Emily Wainwright said he Will certainly have the ability to get hold of a marrow transplant on April 13.
William was diagnosed in October 2011 and went in to remission just to relapse October 2013. His second relapse joined January.
“I don’t enjoy cancer,” he said.
The Wainwrights Discovered out regarding the Skate for Cancer reveal through Facebook.
Daily Herald reporter Cathy Allred Can easily contacted at callred@heraldextra.com, (801) 344-2545, Twitter @CathysSideNotes
